Wrap Device for a Bed Ensemble

ABSTRACT

A fitted wrap device ( 10 ) is provided for covering sides ( 106  and  108 ) and ends ( 10  and  112 ) of the base unit ( 102 ) of an ensemble bed ( 100 ). The device is formed of a panel ( 12 ) of fabric with joined or adjustable joined ends ( 22  and  24 ). The panel provides an opening ( 17 ) for slipping over a mattress ( 104 ) on the base unit. A retaining arrangement ( 30 ) retains the device about the base unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

THIS INVENTION relates generally to a wrap device for a bed ensemble.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bed ensembles have a base unit with a top surface and a bottom surface, and a compatible mattress resting on the top surface. Some bed ensembles have a set of legs arranged to support the base unit above the floor level, while others are arranged with the bottom surface of the base unit on the floor.

While the mattress is usually covered with a bed sheet, the base unit is either uncovered or covered by a dust ruffle. The ruffle has a panel configured to cover the top surface and a skirt surrounding the sides and at least one end of the base unit, and generally extending from said panel to about the floor level. To fit the ruffle on the base unit, the mattress must be moved from the base unit so that the panel of the ruffle can be positioned on the top surface of the base unit. The mattress must then be lifted and carefully positioned on the panel.

Positioning the mattress on the panel invariably causes the ruffle to move and the ruffle would need to be repositioned a number of times before it is in position for its panel to cover the whole top surface of the base unit.

The mattress is relatively heavy for a single person to lift it and is of a shape and size that it is difficult for a single person to carry the mattress in an appropriate posture for carrying heavy articles. Accordingly, many people sustain injury in attempting to move mattresses from the base units of bed ensembles.

The covers for the base units of ensemble beds currently available in the market place have dust ruffles that extend to the floor. The problems with these ruffles are various:

1. When making a bed and tucking in the top sheet and/or blanket, the dust ruffle invariably gets caught up in the sheet/blanket and tucked under the top mattress. To avoid this, it is necessary to try to lift the top mattress prior to tucking in the sheet/blanket or holding the dust cover down whilst trying to tuck the sheet/blanket under the mattress. These tasks are difficult and cause frustration when making a bed.

2. Dust ruffles known to the inventor generally have an attached panel arranged to extend over the top surface of the base unit and fit in between the mattress and the base unit. It is necessary to remove the mattress in order fit or remove the dust ruffles. This creates obvious problems not only for the elderly but also for any person of average strength. In addition to the difficulty of removing the mattress, when replacing the mattress, if it is not lowered carefully into place the dust cover has a tendency to slip out of place. Two or more people are required to move the mattress to minimise the tendency of the dust cover slipping out of place.

3. When an ensemble bed with a base unit supported by wheeled support legs is moved, the wheels invariably get caught in the dust ruffle causing soiling and in some cases, tearing of the fabric.

4. The aesthetic look of the dust ruffles currently in the market are loose or gathered and falling to the floor. In particular, they are not suitable for contemporary homes, boy's rooms and casual homes such as beach houses. In some cases, the bed is so structured that the legs are exposed when the known dust ruffles are fitted.

5. Generally, dust ruffles available on the market place are designed to exactly fit the size of the base unit. This does not allow for any flexibility in relation to fitting more than one bed size in the household, hotel or hospital and the like. A dust ruffle which is too big for a bed tends to drape on the floor where it gets dirty and is trodden on; whereas one which is too small will not reach the floor thereby defeating its purpose as a dust ruffle. In both cases the overall look is unsatisfactory.

6. The dust ruffles known to the inventor trap and hold dust due to the fullness of fabric and length from the base unit. This escalates breathing difficulties suffered by people with allergies to dust or certain illness such as asthmatics. In addition, as the known bed ruffles can not be easily removed from the bed for laundering, people tend to leave them in situ for a considerable long time between laundering. Accordingly, the breathing difficulties become increasingly more serious due to increasing amount of dust trapped by the dust ruffles. There needs to be free flow of air under the bed and easy access under the bed so that cleaning or vacuuming is done regularly. In addition, the bed needs to be moved easily without the wheels caught in the bed ruffle.

7. As the known dust ruffles require a lot of fabric, the costs of manufacturing are relatively high. As a result, the retail cost of the product is high.

OBJECT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to alleviate or to reduce to a certain level one or more of the above prior art disadvantages.

OUTLINE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In one aspect therefore the present invention resides in a wrap device for a bed ensemble having a base unit with a top surface, a bottom surface, opposed sides and opposed ends, and a compatible mattress configured to rest on the top surface, the device comprising a wrap member configured to form an opening for the wrap member to slip over the mattress and to be positioned to wrap about the opposed sides and at least one of said opposed ends, the wrap member having an upper edge or flange and a lower edge or flange, and retaining arrangement arranged to retain one or both of said upper edge or flange and lower edge or flange in engagement with the top surface and/or the bottom surface of the base unit to thereby retaining the wrap member about the base unit.

In preference, the retaining arrangement includes a first retaining member provided at said upper edge or flange. More preferably, the retaining arrangement further includes a second retaining member provided at said lower edge or flange. The or each said retaining member may have an elastic element fixed to said upper or lower edge/flange, or a fastening element or elements fixed to the top or bottom surface and a compatible removable fastening element or elements fixed to the upper or lower edge/flange of the wrap member.

Where an elasticised edge/flange or edges/flanges are deemed unsuitable, for example in the case of commercial laundering where the elastic element(s) may not be able to withstand the very high temperatures used in laundering, the elasticised edges/flanges may be replaced with an alternative retaining member(s). This may be by way of snap fasteners or ties along spaced points along one or each of the upper and/or lower edges/flanges, or by a draw string along one or each of the upper and/or lower edges/flanges to allow the device to fit firmly to the base unit.

The lower edge may extend towards the floor. Alternatively, an extension member may be formed along or attached to the lower edge/flange.

The wrap member may be formed of connected or removably connected sections that are dimensioned to wrap respective sides and at least one end of the base unit.

The wrap device may have one or more pockets fixed to the wrap member. The pocket(s) is(are) preferably configured to hold items including any one or more of books, toys, a remote control for a television set, a torch, slippers, reading glasses and other personal items.

One of said opposed ends is arranged as a head end. Adjustment means may be provided said head end for selectively tightening or loosening the wrap member about the base unit. The adjustment means may include one or more ties, or one or more paired Velcro strips. Accordingly, the adjustment means can be used to increase firmness of fit of the wrap device.

The device having its lower edge extending towards the floor or including the extension member may have its second retaining member(s) arranged for fixing to the legs of the base unit. Preferably, said second retaining member(s) are provided on the inside surface of the extension member. The second retaining member(s) may be in the form of tie(s).

The wrap member may be padded or quilted or enhanced in some way as to render the device more attractive to the consumer or may be manufactured in a fabric which coordinates with the bed linen, in particular the doona cover or bed spread being difficult to tuck in and becoming untucked.

The wrap member may be fabricated from a fabric of natural or synthetic fibre.

The wrap member may be arranged to have a certain flexibility in fit so that it is suitable for use with the base units of ensemble beds of various sizes. The base units may have different depths, or widths or lengths. The wrap member may have a width allowing it to fit over and under the base unit with a varying amount of fabric allowance depending on the depth, width and length of the base unit. The elasticised upper and/or lower edges/flanges retains the wrap device fitted on the base unit of the bed ensembles of various sizes.

In the case of asthmatics and those with dust allergies, the wrap device being fitted to the base and not hanging to the ground, allows easy access under the bed and thereby results in ease of cleaning such as vacuuming or sweeping. In addition, the bed can be moved easily without the wheels getting caught in the wrap device. Furthermore, the wrap device being tightly fitted and not hanging to the floor, does not collect dust easily as it is with the prior art dust ruffles. If there is a need to remove the wrap device from the base unit for laundering, it can be removed with ease.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood and be put into practical effect reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the present invention and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a wrap device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the wrap device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing the wrap device shown in FIG. 1 in a position to be fitted to a bed ensemble;

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing the wrap device shown in FIG. 1 being slipped over the mattress of the bed ensemble;

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing showing the wrap device shown in FIG. 1 fitted to the base unit of the bed ensemble and retained thereat;

FIG. 6 shows the wrap device shown in FIG. 5 with the mattress of the bed ensemble removed;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the wrap device according to the present invention, with the device fitted to the base unit of a bed ensemble;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the wrap device according to the present invention, with the device fitted to the base unit of a bed ensemble;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the wrap device according to the present invention, with the device fitted to the base unit of a bed ensemble; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the wrap device according to the present invention, with the device fitted to the base unit of a bed ensemble.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a first embodiment of a wrap device 10 according to the present invention. The wrap device 10 has a wrap member which in this case is a panel of fabric 12. The wrap panel 12 has an upper edge flange 14 and a lower edge flange 16. The device 10 has a retaining arrangement 30. In this embodiment, the retaining arrangement 30 has an elastic band 18 fixed to the upper edge flangel4 and another elastic band 20 fixed to the lower edge flange 16. When unfolded as shown, the panel 12 defines a through opening 17.

As shown in FIG. 3, the wrap device 10 is to be fitted to a bed ensemble 100 having a base unit 102 and a mattress 104. The base unit 102 has opposed sides 106 and 108, a head end 110, and a foot end 112. The base unit 102 also has a top surface 114 and a bottom surface 116 spanning its sides and the ends. A set of support legs 118 arranged to support the base unit 102 above the floor level. Each support leg 118 has a castor wheel or roller 119 to enable the bed ensemble 100 to be easily moved along the floor surface.

The panel 12 is configured to wrap around the sides and the ends of the base unit 102. The retaining arrangement 30 is for retaining the wrap panel 12 about the base unit 102. In use, the wrap device 10 is unfolded to reveal the opening 17 which is configured so that the wrap device 10 can be slipped over the mattress 104 on the base unit 102.

To fit the wrap device 10 onto the base unit 102, the device 10 is simply positioned so that the mattress 104 is in the opening 17. The wrap panel 12 is then slipped over the mattress 104 as shown in FIG. 4 and then manoeuvred to move in a downward direction until the panel 12 is around the sides and ends of the base unit 102, and the elastic bands 18 and 20 of the retaining arrangement 30 engage respective top surface 114 and bottom surface 116 as shown in FIG. 5. Thereby, the wrap device 10 is retained about the base unit 102. In FIG. 6, the mattress 104 is removed in order to reveal the elastic band 18 at the upper edge flange 14 of the wrap panel 12. As shown, the elastic band 18 is extended and in engagement with the top surface 114 of the base unit 102. The elastic band 20 at the lower edge 16 is also extended and in engagement with the bottom surface 116 of the base unit 102. The wrap device 10 thus fits snugly on the base unit 102 and covers the opposed ends and the opposed sides of the base unit 102.

The embodiment of the wrap device 10 shown in FIG. 7 has a wrap panel 12 with end edges 22 and 24 which can be spaced from each other or overlapping depending on the size of the bed ensemble 100. Adjustment means 26 are provided at the end edges 22 and 24 for adjusting tension of the bed wrap device 10 to ensure a snug fit on the base unit 102. The adjustment means may be in the form of ties or Velcro strips. FIG. 7 shows two sets of Velcro strips 27 and 28 employed as the adjustment means 26.

Thus, the wrap device 10 can be fitted to the base unit 102 with the mattress 104 in situ on the base unit 102. This device 10 fits snugly to the sides and the ends of the base unit 102 and thus avoids the disadvantages associated with known dust ruffles.

The embodiment of the wrap device 10 shown in FIG. 8 has a retaining arrangement 30 in the form of ties 32 at respective corners of the upper edge flange 14. The lower edge flange 16 may hang to the floor or be fixed under the base unit 102 with one or other of the various fixing devices. Pockets 21 (one only shown) for holding items such as a remote controller, books, and reading glasses are formed on the panel 12.

In FIG. 9, the retaining arrangement 30 includes snap fasteners 34 at respective corners of the upper edge flange 14. The retaining arrangement 30 of the embodiment of the wrap device 10 shown in FIG. 10 has a draw string 36 threaded through a casing 38 formed at the upper edge flange 14. The draw string 36 is tied at one or more points 40 to retain the wrap device 10 on the base unit 102.

Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative examples of the present invention, many variations and modifications thereto will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broad ambit and scope of the invention as herein set forth in the following claims. 

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A wrap device for a bed ensemble having a base unit with a top surface, a bottom surface, opposed sides and opposed ends, and a compatible mattress configured to rest on the top surface, the device comprising a wrap member configured to form an opening for the wrap member to slip over the mattress and to be positioned to wrap about the opposed sides and at least one of said opposed ends, the wrap member having an upper edge or flange and a lower edge or flange, and retaining arrangement arranged to retain both of said upper edge or flange and lower edge or flange in engagement respectively with the top surface and the bottom surface of the base unit to thereby retaining the wrap member about the base unit.
 21. The device according to claim 20 wherein the retaining arrangement includes an upper retaining member provided at said upper edge/flange and a lower retaining member at said lower edge/flange.
 22. The device according to claim 21 wherein said upper retaining member having an elastic element fixed to said upper edge/flange, or a draw string arranged at said upper edge/flange, and said lower retaining member having an elastic element fixed to said lower edge/flange, or a draw string arranged at said lower edge/flange.
 23. The device according to claim 22 wherein the draw string arranged at each of said upper and lower edges/flanges extends through a casing formed on each of said upper and lower edges/flanges.
 24. The device according to claim 22 wherein the base unit is supported above a floor surface by a set of support members, the elastic element or draw string being arranged at each said upper edge/flange, and ties being fixed to the lower edge/flange for tying to respective support members.
 25. The device according to claim 20 wherein the retaining arrangement includes a releaseable fastening element or elements fixed to one or each of said upper and lower edges/flanges of the wrap member.
 26. The device according to claim 25 wherein a releaseable fastening element is arranged at each corner of one or each of said upper and lower edges/flanges of the wrap member.
 27. The device according to claim 25 wherein said releaseable fastening element is a tie or a snap fastener.
 28. The device according to claim 25 wherein the base unit is supported above a floor surface by a set of support members, the fastening element(s) being arranged at said upper edge/flange, and ties being fixed to the lower edge/flange for tying to respective support members.
 29. The device according to claim 20 wherein the retaining arrangement includes a fastening element or elements fixed to one or both of said top and bottom surfaces and a compatible removable fastening element or elements for fixing to one or both of said upper and lower edges/flanges of the wrap member.
 30. The device according to claim 20 wherein the wrap member is formed by connected or removably connected sections that are dimensioned to wrap respective sides and at least one end of the base unit.
 31. The device according to claim 20 wherein the wrap member is fabricated of a fabric of natural or synthetic fibre.
 32. The device according to claim 31 wherein said fabric is stretchable.
 33. The device according to claim 20 wherein the wrap member has an extension member formed along or attached to the lower edge/flange.
 34. The device according to claim 20 wherein the wrap member having one or more pockets fixed thereto, the pocket or pockets being configured to hold certain items.
 35. The device according to claim 34 wherein the items including any one or more of the followings: books, toys, a remote control for a television set, a torch, slippers, reading glasses and other personal items.
 36. The device according to claim 20 wherein one of said opposed ends is arranged as a head end, and the other as a foot end, an adjustment arrangement is provided at one or each of said head end and foot end for selectively tightening or loosening the wrap member about the base unit.
 37. The device according to claim 36 wherein the adjustment arrangement includes one or more ties, or one or more paired Velcro strips.
 38. The device according to claim 20 wherein the wrap member is padded or quilted or arranged to coordinate with bed linen. 